Diddy: Criticism made me a better artist

To all the critics who think their snarky words fall on deaf ears, take heart: Diddy says he not only listened to past digs at his rap talent, but the criticism helped him make his best album to date with “Press Play.”

“Press Play” debuted at the top of the charts this week with approximately 170,000 CDs sold, the first time he’s been at No. 1 in almost 10 years. The album boasts an all-star list of collaborations _ including Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Jamie Foxx and Nas _ and features a variety of new musical sounds from Diddy. He even sings on one track.